Wellesley voters overwhelmingly approve revamped liquor licensing

Wellesley residents voted 2,749 to 457 in favor of allowing the town to revise its liquor license rules, which will now let establishments with 50 or more seats apply for a license to serve.

The Yes or No ballot question read: “Shall an act passed by the general court in the year 2012, entitled ‘An Act authorizing the Town of Wellesley to grant certain establishments licenses for the sale of all alcoholic beverages and wines and malt beverages to be drunk on the premises’, be accepted?”

Special Town Meeting approved the measure last fall, but voter approval was needed as well in order for the town’s Board of Selectmen to dole out licenses to establishments with fewer than 100 seats. The voter OK will also allow the selectmen to grant up to six wine and beer licenses, giving the board flexibility not to issue just all-alcohol licenses.

The move has been supported by many local landlords and businesses who feel this could help revitalize Wellesley’s business environment.